Going to aux Maldives: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay aux Maldives

Money aux Maldives

The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa, often reduced to its acronym of Rf or MVR. However, unless you go to a local island and make a few small purchases in the stores, you won't need local currency. Payments in island hotels, guesthouses and for travel are made in US$.

In October 2024, the exchange rate for €1 was :

1 € = 16.68 MVR

1 € = 1.08 US$

Budget & Tips aux Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most expensive destinations. In addition to the price of your room, you'll need to add the cost of transfers to the islands, activities you'll be undertaking and meals not included in your stay. Virtually all hotels in the Maldives offer half-board, full-board or even all-inclusive packages (including alcoholic beverages). Some resorts even offer non-motorized activities. Rates are higher, of course, but may be more advantageous if you're planning an active vacation. Generally speaking, resorts quote their rates exclusive of tax. Add 12% VAT, 10% service charge and US$6 per person per day for green tax.

Small budget. You'll need between US$80 and US$150 per person per day to stay on a local island and enjoy a daily outing (diving, sandbank, desert island, etc.). On an island-hotel, you'll need at least US$250 per day per person for a half-board stay, with no activities. The islands-hotels offering such low rates are often old-fashioned and far removed from the dream brochures, except for the landscapes.

Average budget. You'll need between US$250 and US$400 per day per person to stay in a 3* or 4* category island-hotel on a half-board basis. You'll need to add at least US$100 per day if you're diving.

Big budget. You'll need between US$500 and US$1,800 per person per day to stay in a 5* island hotel. Some resorts charge even higher rates, and the cost of seaplane transfers in particular can weigh heavily on the total price of your stay.

Passport and visas aux Maldives

A 30-day visa is issued on arrival in the country, on presentation of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return, a return or onward air ticket, a hotel reservation or proof of sufficient funds to stay in the country.

Driver's license aux Maldives

Road traffic is rare on the islands. With the exception of Malé/Hulhumalé and Addu, there are no roads or cars in the Maldives. So there's no reason to rent a car. If you need to get around the islands, take a bike or a cab!

Health aux Maldives

There are no particular health risks in the Maldives. However, cases of chikungunya and dengue fever have been reported on the island of Addu. In any case, be sure to bring a good mosquito repellent. Although tap water is drinkable, it is not suitable for the delicate stomachs of Westerners. You'll find bottles of drinking water in your room (spring water or desalinated water).

Mandatory vaccination aux Maldives

The Maldives does not require any vaccinations for entry. However, vaccination against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B is strongly recommended.

Security aux Maldives

The Maldives is one of the safest countries in which to travel. Although the political situation is not always stable, it has never had an impact on tourism. The country is considered so safe by its inhabitants that the police don't even carry lethal weapons.

Time difference aux Maldives

The time difference between France and the Maldives is 5 hours in winter and 4 hours in summer. When it's noon in Paris, it's 4 p.m. in the Maldives in summer and 5 p.m. in winter.

Some island-hotels cheat on the time zone, artificially shifting one hour from Malé time to take advantage of a later sunrise and sunset. This is particularly the case on certain northern islands.

Spoken languages aux Maldives

The official language of the Maldives is Divehi. It has its own script. But English is the most widely used language, and the vast majority of Maldivians speak it.

Communication aux Maldives

Phone numbers. The international dialing code for the Maldives is +960. Check with your telephone operator to find out the rates for making and receiving calls on your mobile. You can also purchase a local SIM card, which is very practical if you plan to travel to the inhabited islands. The Maldivian operator Ooredoo has a counter at the airport.

Internet. Internet coverage is excellent, and the vast majority of island hotels and guesthouses offer wi-fi connections.

Electricity and measurements aux Maldives

Maldivian sockets meet British standards (three square plugs) and deliver 240V. However, most hotels have a double electricity system, with European plugs. Newer resorts and even guesthouses also have USB sockets in the walls, so you can recharge your electronic equipment. You'll have no trouble getting an adapter from your hotel if you need one.

Luggage aux Maldives

The Maldives is essentially a destination for travelling light. The tropical climate encourages you to pack summer clothes, swimsuits, pareos and flip-flops. Some resorts offer themed evenings, so elegant attire may be useful. Air-conditioning is pushed to the limit in some places (domestic flights, airport terminals, etc.), so a light sweater or shawl will prevent you from catching a chill. Don't forget your sun cream, preferably waterproof with a very high protection factor, and a good mosquito repellent. And don't forget your snorkeling gear, which will pay for itself in no time.

Daily life aux Maldives

Hello? aux Maldives

To call the Maldives, dial +960 followed by the phone number, without the 0. You can buy a SIM card at Velana airport from local operator Ooredoo, in particular, which offers good network coverage. The company offers a SIM pack for tourists valid for 30 days and including 17 GB of data, 150 minutes of local calls and 150 local SMS messages for US$30.

Accessibility aux Maldives

The Maldives are a suitable destination for children or people with disabilities. The terrain is flat, transfers are limited and rooms are mostly on one level. Alleys on the islands are compacted, so that a stroller or wheelchair can be wheeled without too much difficulty.

Health aux Maldives

Most island hotels use seawater desalination to limit the use of plastic in bottled water. There is no particular health risk in the archipelago. Some hotels are equipped with hyperbaric decompression chambers in case of diving accidents. Some very large resorts also have a resident doctor. There are a number of private hospitals and clinics in Malé, including the European Clinic for minor health problems and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital for more serious problems.

Emergency numbers aux Maldives

In the event of a major problem, contact your hotel reception, whether on a private island or a local island.

Fire department: 118

Ambulance: 102

Securty aux Maldives

The Maldives is a very safe country, and you risk nothing. It is one of the few countries in the world where police officers are not equipped with lethal weapons.

Police: 119

LGBTQ aux Maldives

Homosexuality is punishable by fines, flogging and imprisonment in the Maldives. The country applies Sharia, Koranic law, and severely represses same-sex relations. Discretion is essential, even on island hotels where local or regional staff may be shocked.

Embassies and consulates aux Maldives

There is no French Embassy in the Maldives, but there is a consulate.

French Consulate

Boduthakurufaanu Magu

5th floor

Male

email : [email protected].

The nearest embassy is in Sri Lanka.

Mail aux Maldives

An international stamp for a letter or postcard costs 25 MVR. You can buy them in the hotel gift store.

Local media aux Maldives

The country has a large number of divehi and English-language newspapers. The main daily is The Press, available in English and Divehi (www.en.thepress.mv).